Many Happy Returns

Good food, quality drink, excellent company, intimate atmosphere. The ingredients of a wonderful night. Her wonderful night. Once or twice, Jenny caught sight of herself in the darkened window and couldn't really believe it was true. Here she was, celebrating her birthday with not just a handsome man, but THE handsome man. And what was more, he actually seemed to be enjoying himself.

They had laughed and talked and got to know one another from favourite colours to favourite passages from Shakespeare - Jenny learned very quickly she was in the presence of a true genius about that one. They swapped stories from childhood, discussed the state of the world and generally ended up knowing about as much as it was possible to know about each other. They were definitely not strangers by the time the steaks were eaten and the wine finished.

There was a slight lull in the conversation and Jenny looked out the window, trying not to think about the inevitable. Tom sat and watched her, feeling her inner battle just as keenly. He was pleasantly astonished at just how much he wanted the night to continue and he was pretty sure she did too. He made a rare impulse decision and crossed his fingers.

"Did you enjoy your steak?" Tom asked as he placed his napkin on the table and turned to attract the waiter's attention.

"Oh yes, very much so. Thank you so much Tom, I still can't really believe you're willing to sacrifice a night of your precious time just to pamper me!" she gushed, unable to keep the excitement out of her voice. Try as she might, she couldn't help but be that fangirl. Tom smiled and took her hand, kissing the back of it.

"Oh darling, it has been a pleasure I can assure you. I knew it would be a nice evening, but I'll be honest. I really had no idea just how absolutely lovely you and your company would turn out to be. It's been an honour. One I must admit I will hate to end..." he looked at her, his face a picture of restrained hope. "But maybe not quite yet? "

Jenny smiled and felt the air leave the room and it went silent. Did he just ask her to stay longer? That he didn't want to go? Surely not, she'd imagined it. Then, as he spoke to the waiter, she realised it was all very VERY real.

"We'll be having our coffees in the reading lounge if you wouldn't mind? It's a bit... quieter in there." he smiled and the waiter nodded as if it was the most natural request in the world.

"Of course sir, not a problem. I'll bring it through presently." he withdrew discretely and Tom stood, straightened his tie then turned to her with a smile.

"Shall we?" he offered his hand and helped her to her feet. He drew her up beside him and looked down into her eyes. For a moment they just stood and she felt herself losing all sense of reality. For the briefest of seconds she allowed herself to believe he might have kissed her had they been alone. She was aware she hadn't let his hand go as they walked off, but then, he had made no move either. She hardly dared breathe now. This was all careering towards something she had only dreamt of. As they walked through the restaurant, into the outside lobby, he dropped her hand. Any disappointment was short lived however as they climbed the stairs towards the main foyer. Gently, as if a whisper, his hand found it's spot on the base of her back, guiding her forward and keeping her close.

"This way" he bent and said softly in her ear, his breath warm on her neck. She felt him guiding her to the left and into the quiet lounge. There was an open fire, plush sofas and a quiet tranquillity that even the refined atmosphere of the Savoy couldn't replicate elsewhere. Without speaking, they sat together on the sofa in front of the fire. Discretion made her instantly aware she should sit at the other end, at least until the coffee had been delivered. Tom smiled and nodded very slightly.

He couldn't believe she was so in tune with their position. It was surprising, refreshing even and attractive in the extreme. Usually when the occasion arose, not that he did this very often - ok he never did this exactly - women would cling onto him like some sort of prize. Not Jenny, she was polite and charming and as respectful to him as he to her. Somehow that made her all the more attractive. He found himself wanting to feel what it would be like just to sit with her in his arms as they watched the flames of the fire curl and dance.

Coffee delivered, the waiter withdrew and closed the door behind him. Whilst the room was not officially a private area, closing the door would discourage interruptions and he knew from experience, that couples like this wanted peace.

Tom reached over and lifted a cup holding it just out of her reach. "Coffee darling?" he asked with a small smile. Jenny knew instantly what was happening. She moved closer and took the cup, their fingers brushing sending electric shocks to her core. She must have gasped slightly as Tom instantly looked from her hands to her eyes and smiled. He didn't lift his own cup, merely watched as she took a small sip, swallowing carefully, their eyes locked.

As if in a dream, he took the cup back from her and placed it down on the table. He lifted one of the small biscuits that had been served along side and held it out to her. There was no mistaking he didn't expect her to take it from his hand. She leant forward, and without speaking, opened her mouth to bite as he held it in his long elegant fingers. Again, they never broke their gaze. This time the sound came from Tom.

She had a crumb on her chin and he removed it with his thumb. Jenny suddenly knew what it was to lose all sense of reason as she took his hand and sucked the crumb from his finger, her eyes closed in bliss. His hand splayed against her cheek and she was aware of a soft groan that wasn't hers.

Opening her eyes, she looked at him "Tom... I don't know what's happening but..." she trailed off as he placed a finger on her lips with his other hand.

"Don't think. Just do." he murmured, his voice deep and husky. "Just do.." their faces were a mere hair's breadth apart now and she could feel his breath on her lips.

"Do this?" she whispered, lost in his eyes. Closing hers she leant forward and kissed him softly. For a second she froze, realising what she had done. Tom felt her stiffen and broke the kiss with a smile. He didn't release her face from his gentle grasp.

"Yes, that." he pulled her to him and kissed her again, this time with a burning desire that couldn't be hidden any longer. "Jenny, I never do this, I just..." he kissed her again, his hands now splayed on her back, pulling her tightly to him.

"Neither do I " she said as they came up for air. "But with you..."

"It feels right?"

"Yes Tom, very right."

"Good" they kissed again, leaning back on the sofa and holding each other as if their lives depended on it.

"This" she said as they parted again, breathing heavily "has been the best birthday ever!" she smiled and Tom laughed gently, stroking her hair away from her forehead.

"That's good. Just wait till you see what I'll do for you next year" he whispered in her ear and her eyes widened in shock.

"N-next year?" she repeated in wonder "You - you - we ?"

"Oh yes darling, we have so much more to learn about each other. So much more to experience, to share, to enjoy. Starting now. Many happy returns darling" he kissed her again and as she sank into his arms, Jenny knew this was the fulfilment of a birthday wish to end all birthday wishes.

Her last thought of anything other than the moment here and now, as she lay in his arms, watching the flames dance, was to thank Julie and wonder how she would ever repay her.